Thanks to our rooted funders and partners
Countless conversations with our community, partners, sponsors and funders have led us to Rooted – Out of Many People’s premier programme of events designed to champion Black British, Caribbean and African diaspora storytelling in culture, heritage and arts in Leeds and the wider Yorkshire & Humber.
We are especially grateful for the support for Rooted from Arts Council England made possible by National Lottery Players through Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants.
Big thanks to our partners, sponsors, funders and supporters for helping to make Rooted happen – respect and One Love!
* Headline picture: Photo by David Lindsay
PRINCIPAL FUNDER
“We want everyone to be able to access and take part in arts and culture that is representative of the community where they live so I’m really pleased that we have been able to support Rooted which will bring some big-name authors, writers and illustrators to Leeds as part of its ambitious programme. It’s great to see Rooted working with libraries and local people, as well as running workshops and the children’s Black writing Likkle Lit Fest. I’m sure that Rooted will inspire both the community and visitors to think about how they can tell their own stories through literature and poetry.”
Pete Massey, Director Yorkshire, Arts Council England
PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
“BookTrust is delighted to be supporting Likkle Lit Fest at Leeds Central Library. With our headquarters here in Leeds, this festival feels especially meaningful to us. We know just how powerful it is for children to see themselves, their families and their communities reflected in the books they read – it brings joy, builds confidence and can help to nurture a lifelong reading habit. All the planned activities are a real celebration of diverse voices and talent, and we’re proud to play a part in championing this event that will inspire children and families across Leeds and beyond.”
Diana Gerald, Co-CEO, BookTrust
British Council
“We’re really looking forward to being part of the Likkle Lit programme with Out of Many People’s Rooted. A screening of our Anansi film, co-created with students from Elliot Hudson College, will share the Ghanaian folklore storyteller’s tales and trickery, and explore how his stories have travelled across the world and wound their way to Leeds. We’re excited to share it with you!”
Jioni Warner, Co-creation Manager at the British Library
FLUP
“It’s a real privilege for our library service and the council to be supporting Out of Many People and to be part of an event which celebrates the unique story of Leeds and its communities.
“This year, Rooted is shaping up to be an exciting, inspiring and collaborative programme exploring Black heritage, creativity and storytelling and we can’t wait to help share these events with people across Leeds.”
Councillor Mary Harland, executive member for communities, customer service and community safety
“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Out of Many People on this exceptional programme of events, as part of an ongoing partnership reflecting our shared aims in serving and celebrating Leeds communities.”
Shawab Iqbal, Leeds Playhouse Executive Director
“The National Poetry Centre, like Out of Many People, is passionate about poetry and bringing a love of words to a wide audience, and so we’re delighted to be collaborating on two brilliant events in their forthcoming Rooted programme.”
Nick Barley, Director, National Poetry Centre
“In our 40th year of publishing Caribbean and Black British literature, Peepal Tree Press is proud to support Rooted and to partner with Out of Many People in amplifying bold, necessary voices. It’s a joy to see our Readers and Writers Group contributing to this vibrant programme and sharing work from Sanctuary – an anthology that speaks to community, resilience, and creative freedom.”
Jacob Ross, Associate Fiction Editor, Sanctuary Anthology Editor, Peepal Tree Press
Venue partners
“We’re very honoured to host and help deliver Rooted with the Out of Many team. We – and our audiences – love everything they do. Can’t wait to share more!”
Tony Green, General Manager, Howard Assembly Room
“I am really excited to be welcoming Linton Kwesi Johnson to the Royal Armouries. As a teenager in the late 70s and early 80s, his words and music were part of the soundtrack of my youth. It was a chaotic and angry time to which he brought rhythm, reckoning, warmth and wisdom – and I can’t think of a better voice to be listening to today.”